Could a missing will unlock the mystery of British businessman’s death in Kenya?

Harry Veevers' son, Richard with his lawyer Kinywa Muyaa at the High Court in Mombasa

A Kenyan court has heard claims from the two sisters accused by their brothers of poisoning their multi-millionaire father Harry Veevers that the British businessman had made a will disowning his sons and leaving everything to them.

The 64-year-old died in Kenya in February 2013, and it was believed that he had not left a will instructing how ownership of his large estate, which included three Mombasa properties, should be managed following his death.

The claims over the missing will have prompted Mr Veevers’ eldest son, Richard, to call for British police to get involved in the case to “put some issues to rest.”

Mr Veevers’ two sons from his first marriage and two daughters from his second are currently embroiled in a bitter feud over his death, with the brothers accusing their father’s second wife, Azra Parvin Din, of murdering him with their daughters’ help.

The sisters, estate agent Helen, 29, and Alexandra, 26, have accused their brothers of concocting the story to stop them from claiming any inheritance.

The mystery of the missing will

During the Mombasa inquest into his death, according to a pathologist hired by the sisters it was revealed there could be a mystery will somewhere in the UK, which left everything to Mr Veevers’ two daughters.

“The deceased had written a will in which he disowned his sons from the prior relationship and left his property to his wife and daughters.

“It was further alleged that his sons were advised that the only way they could get part of the inheritance was if they cast doubt into the circumstances surrounding the death.”

Mr Kinyua told the court that Mr Veever’s second wife Azra Parvin Din wrote a statement after his death speculating that a will might exist in the UK. However, outside the court Mr Kinyua said: “The will is missing. If it is true that the deceased cut them off from the will why wouldn’t they disclose a copy?”

“They have accused our father of disowning us. If anyone spoke to people we know they would know that isn’t the case.

“Our family is in the UK, people can’t go and take statements from our grandmother and aunties, [our sisters] are using the distance against us,” he said outside court. Mr Kinyua told the court that British police were waiting to be given the go ahead to assist the investigation.

“All they need is a request because there may be some evidence in the UK.” – Richard Veevers

State counsel Alexander Muteti said if the brothers believed that there was information in the UK that “could unravel the mysteries surrounding the death” they could request permission from Kenyan authorities.

The inquest, which has seen angry outbursts in the courtroom as the two pairs of siblings came into contact with each other for the first time in a year, was adjourned with new dates yet to be set.

Mr Muteti said the case file should be kept locked up until the proceedings resumed. “Given the emotions we have witnessed so far during proceedings it would be safe to have this file controlled under lock and key so that somewhere down the line it doesn’t disappear,” he said.

MA Online Journalism graduate, former radio presenter and television football pundit. Experienced digital editor and website administrator who has also previously worked for the Press Association, Guardian, Trinity Mirror, Local World and Daily Telegraph.

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